Wednesday July 7, 2010

6:30 AM: Breakfast

These long nights and early mornings are starting to take their toll. I am feeling a bit under the weather and totally exhausted all the time…

7:30 – 8:00 AM: Morning Exercise Overview

Presenters: Mrs. Nelson, Drs. Hanisak, Beasley, and Haskell

The instructors went over what we will be looking for, seeing, and measuring. They covered how and why we make these observations and assessments.

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Sampling

We went into the field to participate in environmental and ecological assessments and sampling. We sampled two sights to compare water quality parameters, plankoton, nekton, macrophytes, and macro-invertebrates in the water column and benthic zones. We also sampled water and sediment for toxologic analysis. Unfortunately, we were deep into the water so I could not bring my camera L

12:00 PM: Lunch

While eating I got lots of little bites from midges.

1:00 – 3:00 PM: Husbandry and Examination

The group of instructors took us through husbandy and examination methods for marine specimens collected from the field.

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Invertebrate Aquaculture

Presenter: Dr. Jeff Davidson, Atlantic Veterinary College, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Davidson gave an overview of the open and semi-open aquaculture systems used to produce invertebrates for human food. The lecture focused on different approaches used amon species and examined some of the infectioius and toxicologic diseases in production systems.

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Bivalve Pathogenesis

Presenter: Dr. Davidson

Davidson explained the form, function and some of the major health problems of bivalves. We also examined techniques for the management of ecosystems for their health and long-term sustainability.

5:00 – 6:00 PM: Dinner

Evening: Pool Party

After class almost everyone went to the pool for several hours for swimming and socializing. By the time were done I was exhausted.